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| 2006 World Cup, Germany |
More than a year ago activists informed the South African government of the concern of a growing illegal sex trade during the World Cup. Laws to protect victims and prosecute their traffickers were some recommended action steps to take in their preparation. Well a new law was never passed and with no comprehensive law in place the big question now is, "what exactly is being done about sex trafficking during the 2010 World Cup?"
After the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Jackie Selebi, South Africa's National Police Commissioner had a great idea to prepare for the influx of soccer fans and party goers. While speaking to the Parliamentary Safety and Security Committee he was quoted as saying:
"I want you to apply your minds to my dilemma of what to do with the thousands of soccer hooligans expected to imbibe in public spaces and those who would feel the urge to try out other more exotic pastimes both currently illegal in South Africa".
"You as a committee must be sitting and thinking of how we are going to get around this. If a visiting fan is out on the street having a bottle of beer, must I arrest him, because it is illegal?" - Jackie Selebi, South Africa’s National Police Commissioner
But the thing is, legal or illegal, you can't avoid it. Jasmine, 32-years old, (whose name has been changed to protect her identity) says she was 12 or 13 when her mother decided to sell her virginity to a Japanese soldier. Since then, she has hardly known a life without prostitution. In this clip she explains her story and her thoughts on human trafficking during the World Cup.
"You as a committee must be sitting and thinking of how we are going to get around this. If a visiting fan is out on the street having a bottle of beer, must I arrest him, because it is illegal?" - Jackie Selebi, South Africa’s National Police Commissioner
But the thing is, legal or illegal, you can't avoid it. Jasmine, 32-years old, (whose name has been changed to protect her identity) says she was 12 or 13 when her mother decided to sell her virginity to a Japanese soldier. Since then, she has hardly known a life without prostitution. In this clip she explains her story and her thoughts on human trafficking during the World Cup.